Arsenal midfielder eyes La Liga step as Barcelona consider bold reshuffle

Thomas Partey

Arsenal midfielder eyes La Liga step as Barcelona consider bold reshuffle

Festus Chuma 19:40 - 08.04.2025

Barcelona are exploring a potential free transfer for a versatile Arsenal midfielder, contingent on internal squad changes and contract renewals.

Barcelona fans may soon have a new face to cheer in midfield or perhaps even at right-back as Ghana international Thomas Partey edges closer to the Arsenal exit door.

Partte's contract at Gunners is expiring in just under three months and the player is reportedly planning to leave the North London club on a free transfer this summer, sparking interest across Europe.

Among the clubs monitoring his situation, Barcelona has emerged as a top contender.

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According to Mundo Deportivo, Partey is eager to move back to Spain, where he previously impressed in La Liga with Atlético de Madrid.

Despite no official talks have taken place, sources close to the player suggest that the Catalan giants are at the top of his list for a summer switch.

However, the move hinges on Barcelona making significant internal decisions, particularly surrounding their midfield setup and defensive reinforcements.

The 31-year-old has played a hybrid role for Arsenal this season, covering both central midfield and right-back positions due to squad injuries and tactical tweaks by Mikel Arteta.

Despite the increased competition in midfield from the likes of Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, Partey has made 36 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign.

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He remains a key part of Arteta’s squad heading into the Champions League quarter-final showdown against Real Madrid on Tuesday night at the Emirates.

“Barca are also confident that in Marc Casado and Marc Bernal — the latter expected to be fit before the next season starts — they have adequate cover in the holding midfielder position,” Goal reports.

The quote underscores the challenge facing Partey’s potential move.

Barcelona are content with their current midfield depth, especially with Frenkie de Jong expected to extend his stay at the club.

The Dutchman, once considered a likely departure this summer, has cemented his role under incoming coach Hansi Flick, reducing the urgency to reinforce the middle of the park.

Barça’s coaching staff has been impressed by his ability to deputize at right-back—a role in which he has featured eight times this Premier League season, most notably against Liverpool’s Luis Díaz in a 2–2 draw.

His calmness on the ball, tactical discipline, and passing range make him a viable option as a backup for Jules Koundé, who has astonishingly played 100 consecutive matches without rotation.

Partey, who joined Arsenal in 2020 after the club activated his €50 million release clause, has matured into a more well-rounded player.